shell alliance, page-14

What I have tried to piece together using some evidence is how Shell intends to develop its discovered Browse Gas resource and how that may impact us ...NEXUS.

The article by Bevis Yeo?? ... describes the Prelude field to be Shell’s first FLNG project.... and the possible development plans.. are believed to include a tie-in from Crux where Shell has – under an agreement with Nexus Energy – a 100% interest in the gas rights from 2020 or when the Crux liquids-stripping project has concluded.
Since late 2008 Nexus have in different releases discussed the possibility of a combined Gas and Liquids Project.
IF combining of projects does occur and that is a big IF, then I would not expect any development until 2014-15.
Timing .. Shell have a number of other LNG commitments in the NW Aust and it will be a matter of which is their priority?
Alliance with Nexus secures Crux as valuable resource, with the catch being a large development delay.

I suspect that the soon to be announced conditional asset sale will be the "encouragement" to drill the de-risked Auriga and Caelum Prospects.
Positive results can only help sentiment towards NXS once again.

I would also best guess that Shell will drill (using TransOcean Legend) the Octans extension of the Crux field. this would complete the proving-up of the Wider Crux.

Whether the asset sale buyer is Shell (or Santos or Mitsui) etc.. the main concern is that we will have secured finance (thru a very difficult time) to continue to operate and be part of the development in this very valuable Browse resource.

Also, IF Crux and Echuca are part of Shells larger Browse picture, then I would also expect later this year to see Shell farm into a higher % at Echuca and encouraging NXS to do its drilling at that site... proving up a possible 4 TCF of Gas...

All speculation on my part, but also supported some fact..
We can only hope,
Regards...
SharpE